okay here is another type of dream. I want to see "convicts" in a whole different light. I don't believe in the concept "criminal". In the present system, we battle over who spends time in the in-human prisons, and who walks free. After leaving the system, ex-cons have a variety of debilitating circumstances that divert them from regular life in western society. For starters, they have a criminal record. This restricts their access to regular job opportunities. As well ex-cons have a huge lack of social skills after being locked up inhumanely for long term periods. The dream I have is of a program that addresses several ex-con issues.
1.) the fact that people from jails have a criminal record and cannot work in many scenarios means that they need increased access to the job market, or to employment in general.
2.) the fact that criminal stigmatization leaves people who leave jails in a brutal situation of prejudice.
3.)the fact that ex-cons have a major deficit in life skills and social skills after being treated with cruel and unusual punishment for so long
this program will combine three different streams of adult support.
1.) entrepreneurial training... if people will not hire peeps, we can become our own bosses
2.) housing support. hinging on the fact peeps are just outta jail, I think they could apply for PTSD for the trauma experienced in jail, and get a disability pension.
3.) mental health supports. these could be tailored to the individual and to the specific situation. could include: life skills, counselling, support groups.
does this make sense to anyone?